Foreword

• Author: Carlien Scheele
• Profession: Director, European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)
• Pages: 3-3

Foreword

3Intimate partner violence and witness intervention: what are the deciding factors?

Foreword

Women face the greatest danger from people

they know. In the EU, more than a fifth of women

have been physically or sexually abused by a cur-

rent or former partner. This report provides new

evidence on factors which encourage witnesses

of intimate par tner violence to intervene and

provides recommendations on what the EU and

Member States can do to better protect vic tims.

Many witnesses to intimate partner violence

want to help. In some Member States, up to 30 %

of calls to domestic violence helplines come from

witnesses. Yet negative perceptions of the author-

ities, fear for their own safet y, a lack of access to

support services and a common misconception

that intimate partner violence is a private matter

can prevent witnesses from acting.

EU Member States need to raise awareness on

intimate partner violence and provide informa-

tion on how witnesses can best assist victims.

Professionals working in the health and social

sector need clear guidance on their obligation

to report violence. Police and justice authorities

need to protect both victims and witnesses.

The EU Victims Rights Directive is a legal obliga-

tion for EU Member States and outlines standard

requirements to support victims and witnesses

of crime. The Ist anbul Convention is the gold

standard for protecting victims and witnesses of

intimate partner violence and should be ratified

by all Member States. The EU must adopt equiv-

alent measures should EU-wide accession con-

tinue to face challenges.

The private sphere, and in particular the home,

cannot continue to be the most dangerous place

for a woman. Spikes in domestic violence reports

during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the

urgency for action: further lockdowns could put

many at risk. Friends, family, neighbours, co-work-

ers and professionals can help victims of intimate

partner violence. This report shows how the EU

and its Member States can ensure witnesses have

the right information and resources to do so.

Carlien Scheele,

Di re c to r,

European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)